Media freedom is a pillar of our democracy, but it is increasingly under threat in our continent. The infamous example of Italy, in which media power and political power have coincided for twenty years, has become a successful model for others to follow. Viktor Orban in Hungary has made media manipulation and control a cornerstone of his semi-authoritarian politics. In advanced democracies such as France and the UK, media freedom is in danger, through the murky appointment of the President of France Télévisions to the Murdoch control of an increasing share of British media. In newer democracies, such as Bulgaria and Romania, freedom of expression is under threat by an increasing concentration of media power in the hands of a few politically-connected moguls.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. The freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected." Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental rights